In a landmark decision on Friday, Namibia’s High Court in Windhoek scrapped old laws that made same-sex relationships illegal, a ruling seen as a big win for LGBTQ rights in the country.
The court declared that laws dating back to 1927, which criminalized acts like sodomy and unnatural sexual offenses, are no longer valid.
These laws were inherited from Namibia’s colonial past and continued after independence in 1990.
“Because of this decision, I no longer feel like a criminal on the run in my own country simply because of who I am,” said Friedel Dausab, an activist who was involved in the case.
Human rights groups, including the London-based Human Dignity Trust, praised the court’s decision, calling it a significant step forward for equality and justice.
The United Nations programme on AIDS, UNAIDS, also welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major victory for human rights in Namibia and a positive move towards a more inclusive society.
The judges emphasized that in a democratic country, criminalizing activities based on public opinion is not justified.
This decision marks a turning point for LGBTQ rights in Namibia, paving the way for more acceptance and legal protections for same-sex couples.
